What's in a Home Information Pack?

A Home Information Pack contains (where applicable) a properties title deeds, details of the properties boundaries, searches on the property, warranties, leasehold details, building consents, planning permissions and an energy performance certificate. Other documentation may also be included where applicable.

WHO PROVIDES THE HOME INFORMATION PACK AND ENERGY ASSESSMENT?

There are a number of organisations and independents that provide HIPs (Home Information Packs) and EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates). Energy Assessments (Bolton) Limited are an independent provider of Energy Asessments and Home Information Packs.

WHAT IS A DOMESTIC ENERGY ASSESSMENT?

An Energy Assessment is a survey carried out on a property that is currently being marketed for sale. It must be conducted by a professionally qualified person and within the current guidelines for qualification. The results from the survey will generate an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and will show the current efficiency of a property and provide recommendations for energy improvements.

WHY DO I NEED A DOMESTIC ENERGY ASSESSMENT?

An Energy Performance Certificate is a mandatory requirement of the HIP.

WHAT IS AN ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE (EPC)?

This is an official report provided to the seller of a property following a Domestic Energy Assessment. It provides a rating (currently based on a scale from 1 – 100) for the properties energy efficiency and environmental impact (CO2 emissions). It is similar to usual property surveys but focuses primarily on energy efficiencies. The report is detailed and includes recommendations for energy improvements.

WHEN DO ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES BECOME NECESSARY?

Not all properties currently require an EPC. Since December 14, 2007 all domestic properties being marketed for sale require an energy performance certificate.

HOW LONG DO HIP’s LAST?

Until the property is sold. If the property is taken off the market for less than one year and then remarketted, the same HIP may be used.

WHAT DOES AN ENERGY ASSESSMENT INVOLVE?

The criteria for the assessment includes evaluating the age of the property, assessing how the property is insulated, what heating systems exist, what the extent of heat loss is, what rooms are habitable and what draught proofing installations have been introduced. The survey will take approximately one hour but this will depend on the size and complexity of the property.

ARE OTHER BUILDINGS INCLUDED IN THE ENERGY ASSESSMENT?

The assessment will focus on the main property but will include non-separated conservatories and extensions.

IF I SELL MY PROPERTY PRIVATELY, DO I NEED A HIP AND AN ENERGY ASSESSMENT?

If you are marketing your property, even if it's just by putting a 'for sale' sign in the window, you need a Pack. Sales where no marketing takes place (e.g. to a member of the family) you won't need a Pack.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST, WHO PAYS FOR IT AND WHEN DOES IT HAVE TO BE PAID FOR?

The seller is responsible for the cost of a Home Information Pack. The cost of the Pack varies dependent on the provider. Energy Assessments (Bolton) Limited can provide the Pack including the Energy performance Certificate from £220.00 (plus VAT). Please enquire for details.

Some examples of how you might pay for the Home Information Pack include :-

Seller pays for the Pack from the provider when instructions are given to complete the HIP
Energy Assessments Limited can offer a deferred payment scheme – please enquire for details.

These are only indications of payment models; the HIP regulations do not prescribe any particular payment method.

See What's in a Home Information Pack? for more information

Copies of Packs are free to buyers, although a reasonable charge may be made for copying and postage.

WHEN DO I HAVE TO PROVIDE A HIP?

The HIP must be commissioned before marketing can begin. During this period the EPC must be provided before contracts are exchanged, although there is no set time limit on when the rest of the HIP should be provided.

If you are marketing a property which falls within the scope of the scheme from 1 January 2008 onwards, the HIP including the EPC must be available to anyone interested in the property from the time it is first placed on the market.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY HOUSE WAS ON THE MARKET BEFORE DECEMBER 14, 2007?

Properties that are genuinely on the market before the commencement date (i.e. December 14, 2007) will not need a HIP. This exemption will apply for as long as marketing continues but the Government may appoint a date at which all properties on the market will be subject to the requirement for a HIP and EPC, regardless of when they were first marketed.

WHAT GOES INTO A HIP?

The following compulsory documents must be included in a Home Information Pack:

Home Information Pack Index
Energy Performance Certificate
Sale statement
Standard searches
Evidence of title
Additional information for leasehold and commonhold sales, where appropriate.

You can also include other documents such as a Home Condition Report, an environmental or flood risk search and other information that would be of interest to a potential buyer as defined in the regulations.

WHO COMPILES HIPs?

Sellers can hire the services of any qualified Energy Assessor or HIP provider.

ARE HIPs REQUIRED ACROSS THE UK?

No - only in England and Wales.

DO I HAVE TO PUT ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATES IN MY PACK?

Electrical certificates (past or present) are not a required component of the Pack, but can be included if the seller has them.

I HAVE LOST GUARANTEES FOR WORK I HAVE HAD DONE. WHAT DO I DO?

Don't worry - guarantees aren't a required component of the HIP, but can be included if you have them.

SHOULD THE PACK CONTAIN A HOME CONDITION REPORT?

A Home Condition Report could help you sell your property more quickly if it shows that it is in good condition or if it highlights any problems straight away for potential buyers - it can avoid nasty surprises for buyers later in the sales process.

MY HOUSE HAS BEEN ON THE MARKET BEFORE HIPs CAME IN. IF I CHANGE MY ESTATE AGENT NOW, DO I HAVE TO GET A HIP?

If your house has not been taken off the market i.e. continuous marketing has occurred, then no, you will not need to commission a HIP. If however, there was a break in marketing you will need to supply a HIP.

WHAT CAN I DO IF A HIP/EPC IS NOT PROVIDED?

Potential buyers have a right to a copy of the Pack and this should be provided within 14 days of request. Sellers are entitled to make a reasonable charge to cover copying and postage costs and may also refuse to provide a copy in certain limited cases. These are where the seller believes that the person making the request :-

could not afford the property
is not really interested in buying the property
is not a person to whom the seller would wish to sell the property (but this does not allow them to unlawfully discriminate against someone).

If you believe that you are being denied a copy of the HIP unlawfully, Local Authority Trading Standards Officers are responsible for the enforcement of these duties.